The Promise

While Mia and the other girls were bathing, Bel and Citrina were being taken on a tour of the village. It was not an adven-tour nor an exploration-tour but a grand-experience-tour.

In other words it was a journey of delight and wonder.

Wow, amazing. Thats so cute!

Bel couldnt help but exclaim with joy as she cradled the fluffy lamb in her arms. The warmth she felt was indescribably comforting.

Its wonderful. The fur is so fluffy.

While Bel was patting its head and smiling, the lamb twitched its ears and let out a small cry.

Wow

Bel smiled, charmed by the overwhelming cuteness of the lamb.

That one is still a newborn.

Hehehe, thats right. Its incredibly cute!

Bel then turned towards Citrina and said Look, doesnt Rina-chan also think its cute?

Upon being addressed like that, Citrina said Yes thats right.

For some reason, Citrina seemed oddly distant.

Rina-chan?

Um, Im fine. Bel-chan, Rina will only look

Bel recalled the uneasiness she had felt in the past, as she looked at Citrinas sweet smile that seemed to be like a swaying flower.

By any chance Rina-chan, are you scared of the lamb?

No, no. Its not like that at all. Its impossible for me to be scared of a lamb. But

Citrina had a slightly complicated expression on her face as she said

Its just that if Rina touched something so small it might end up dying.

Rina-chan

On hearing those words, Bels expression clouded. In the case of most animals, newborn infants were helpless and fragile beings. The lamb that Bel held in her arms was no exception. It was very small and delicate. That was why Bel could understand Citrinas fear of accidentally hurting the lamb by holding it even a little too tightly. Since her early childhood, Citrina had been taught how to handle poison. It was quite possible for Citrina to think that her hands had been stained or contaminated by poison, which could easily be passed on to the lamb and kill it. It wouldnt be strange at all for Citrina to feel that kind of anxiety. Bel realised this and smiled gently.

Its alright, Rina-chan. Mia-oneesama will ensure that Rina-chan will never have to use poison ever again.

After that, Bel approached Citrina and extended her hand to her. Bel firmly grasped Citrinas hand, which had hesitated mid-air.

Rina-chan, these hands are meant to do kind things. So, its alright for you to hold this little one. Bel said looking directly into Citrinas eyes. For a moment, Citrina was a little flustered by Bels straightforward gaze. Then, as if making up her mind, she bit her lip and tentatively held out her hand. Citrina held the lamb that Bel handed her, close to her chest and gently stroked the fur. With each stroke, the stiff expression on her face began to ease up.

So soft and fluffy. And incredibly cute!

And then the lamb stuck its tongue out and licked Citrinas cheek.

Kyaa! Citrina let out an adorable scream that wouldnt have been possible for Mia. Bel couldnt help bursting into laughter when she saw that.

Come on, Bel-chan. Dont laugh youre so mean. Citrina pouted at Bels reaction, but soon started laughing too.

Hehehe. Its kind of fun, isnt it, Rina-chan? muttered Bel as she looked around. The sheep leisurely huddled together in the pen, and the herd of horses walked with a calm and cool gait

The world that unfolded before Bel was a far cry from the days engulfed in darkness when she had to hide in the New Moon District even from sunlight.

I like it here. said Bel

She had a smile on her face, and in response, Citrina also smiled. The smile was neither flashy nor sweet but genuinely joyful.

Um. Rina is really happy too. Listen, Bel-chan, lets come here again someday after we grow up. Lets come to the Equestrian Kingdom together. Its a promise! Citrina said cheerfully.

Promise.. Bel swallowed her words for a moment.

A promise , a promise to come back together, a promise to meet again

Bel didnt like promises that were made over and over again. Because they had been broken several times before

The ones who sent off Bel, promising to meet again, all ended up dead. Bel found herself alone at the place where they had all promised to go together someday. She had no idea when this dream would end. Considering this uncertainty, Bel thought that she shouldnt be making such promises. But..

Yes. Its a promise. Bel nodded faintly. That took a lot of courage. Perhaps it might not come true, but

Rina-chan. Its a promise. Lets definitely come again. Bel said that with determination and smiled innocently.

Citrina-sama, Bel-sama. Mia-sama has returned. the guard came calling, prompting Bel to stand up.

The two of them never forgot the promise they made that day.